Exterior panel wall assembly



Aug' 16, 1956 H. l.. BIRUM, JR 3,266,207

EXTERIOR PANEL. WALL ASSEMBLY Filed June l5, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 @i fff' BY Aug. 16, 1966 Fneci June 15. 1962 H. L. BIRUM, JR

EXTERIOR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

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Aug- 16, 1956 H. L. BIRUM, JR 3,266,207

EXTERIOR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY Flled June 15, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug 16, 1966 H. BIRUM, JR 3,266,207

EXTERIOR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY Flled June 15, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 67C Il (80 ffy W F/ 6. 4b

Aug. 16, 1966 H. l.A BIRUM, .1R 3,266,203

EXTERIOR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY Flled June 15. 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

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Aug. 16, 1966 H. BIRUM, JR

EXTERIOR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY Filed Tune 15, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 F/G. 6e

United States Patent O 3,266,207 EXTERIGR PANEL WALL ASSEMBLY Herbert L. Birum, Jr., Pleasant Valley, Titusville, NJ. Filed .lune 15, 1962, Ser. No. 202,901 16 Claims. (Cl. 52-459) This invention relates to building materials and more particularly t-o exterior panel walls for buildings, factories, homes and the like, which is so designed as to provide completely water-tight protection.

Exterior panel wall employed for the purpose of iinishing buildings, factories, homes and the like, is finding wide-spread use in industry .today due to its simplicity of installation, its durability and its over-all 4aesthetic appearance. Although all these advantages may be found in some of the present day exterior panel wall assemblies, none of the prior art panel wall assemblies act to provide, in addition to all the features previously mentioned, panel wall assemblies which are completely water-tight, so as to protect building interiors from nist, water damage and other harmful iniiuences.

The assembly of the instant invention, in addition to providing all of the `other advantages, is so constructed as to prevent the entrance of water to the building interior and even assuming that `any such water could possibly enter or pass through the exterior panel wall, is further provided with a novel gutter arrangement which absolutely prevents water seepage through exterior panel wall to the building interior.

The assembly of the instant invention is provided with panel mounting means adapted to clamp exterior panel members to the building super-structure, in such a manner as to facilitate the installation thereof; first means to substantially prevent the passage of any moisture or Water lthrough the exterior panel wall and is further provided with second means for the removal :of any possible water or moisture which does enter to the exterior before any such moisture or water may enter completely through the exterior panel Wall assembly.

The device of the instant invention is comprised of first and second batten means, constructed to be positioned on the exterior and interior surfaces of the exterior panels employed for the purpose of securing end to end aligned wall panels to one another and to the building super-structure. The exterior batten means is provided with ceiling means mounted to prevent the introduction of moisture or water between the batten means and the wall panels. A gutter means is further provided between the iirst and second batten means and is so constructed as to remove any and all water which may pass through the ceiling means on the area between the batten means to the exterior surface of the exterior panel walls. This arrangement insures that the building interior will be completely water-tight. The batten means are further so constructed as to be readily mountable in la variety of different ways to the building structure, depending solely upon the needs of the user.

It is therefore one object of this invention to provide exterior panel wall assemblies, which are so constructed as to be readily mountable to building super-structure so as to render the building interior completely water-tight.

Another object of this invention is to provide exterior panel wall assembly, which is so .constructed as to be readily adaptable for mounting in a variety of different mounting positions.

Still another object of this invention is to provide exterior panel wall assemblies for mounting to building super-structures, which include novel gutter means for removing any Water or seepage from the mounting assemblies to the exterior of the panel walls.

Still another object of this invention is to provide exterior panel wall assemblies which are so constructed as Patented August I6, 1966i ICC to be mountable in a variety of diiierent ways to building super-structures and which are finished in an aesthetically appealing manner to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Another object of this invention is to provide exterior panel wall assemblies which are mountable to building super-structures in a variety of idiiielent ways and which are strong, durable and in addition, to providing an :aesthetically appealing outward appearance.

These and other objects will become apparent when considering the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a building exterior, showing the exterior wall panel assemblies of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the batten assembly of the instant invention employed for the purpose of securing the exterior wall panels shown in FIGURE l.

FIGURES 2a and 2b are perspective views of gutter means which may be employed in the mounting assembly of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 2c is a perspective view showing an alternative in embodiment of the assembly of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the wall of the building, shown in FIGURE l, showing the interior wall thereof.

FIGURES Litz-4e show cross-sectional views of the batteri assemblies of FIGURE 2 and taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 1 mounted in avar-iety of different ways and employed together with novel mounting members to facilitate the mountings thereof.

FIGURES 4f-4h show the clips employed in the mountings of FIGURES 4c-4e respectively.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective View of a vertically aligned mounting of the type shown in FIGURE 4c.

FIGURES 6ft-6e show the mounting assembly of FIG- URE 2 employed in a variety of different applications. FIGURE 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along line `6ta-6b of FIGURE l. FIGURE 6c is a cross-sectional view taken `along line 6c-6c of FIGURE 1,. FIGURE 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along line ta-6u Vof FIGURE 1. FIGURE 6d is a cross-sectional View takenv `along line 6d--6d of FIGURE l.

FIGURES 6d and 6e show an alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly of FIGURE 2 which is especially `adapted for corner mounting exterior panel walls at intersections thereof.

FIGURE 7a is a perspective view ot a butt joint assembly employing the novel gutter means of the instantinvention for the prevention of water seepage therethrough.

FIGURES 7b and 8a are penspective views of alternative butt joint arrangements.

FIGURE 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along line Stb-8b of FIGURE 8a.

Referring now to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 shows an exterior panel wall assembly which has been aiiixed to a building, only a portion of which is shown for purposes of clarity. The assembly 10 is corn-` prised of la plurality ot exterior wall panels .11 fwhioh may be 'formed of any suitable material. The panels ll are positioned :and secured in alignment with one another and to the building super-structure '(not shown) by rneans of a horizontal and vertical framework 13 and 12 respectively, which framework represents the exterior exposed portion ont the exterior panel Wall mounting assemblies, which are shown in greater detail in FIGURES 2 and 4a4e. The panel wall mounting assemblies are so constructed as Vto provide adequate positioning and support for glia-ss, as well as the panel walls 11, such as the glass plates 14 shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 shows a section of the exterior panel Wall assembly .10 of FIGURE 1, looking from the building ininterior. The assembly ,20 of FIGURE 3 is comprised of a plurality of panels .11, which are heldin their appropriate position by means of the batten assemblies, to be more fully described, and, further, held to the horizont-al beams 16 which comprise the building super-structure. The framework 17, which is shown in vertical alignment, is the surf-ace of the batten assemblies, to be more fully described, as they appear from the building interior.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of one such batten assembly 50, which is comprised of an exterior hatten 51 and an interior batten member 52. The exterior blatten member 51 has a centra-l portion `51a provided with an inwardly facing projection i51b, having an elongated channel 51C. The upper interior surface of channel 51C is provided with a plurality of spaced parallel grooves 51d. The material which forms the lower surface of channel 51C is of a composition such that it may be scored by the threads of fastening means `60 as fastening means 60 is threaded into channel 51C.

V The exterior hatten member 51 is further provided with extending arms 511 and :51g which project upwardly and downwardly respectively from central portion 51a. Arms 51f and 51g are provided with notches 51h and 51j respectively along their inner walls for the purpose of receiving resilient sealing means, as will be more fully described. Notch 51h is shown provided with a sealing means 70, which is comprised of a substantially flat body 7.1, having a plurality of spaced parallel grooves '72, along its lirst surface and having a plurality of spaced parallel grooves 72a as Well as a substantially T-shaped projection 73, along its opposing surface, wherein the T-shaped projection is adaptable for insertion into the T-sh-aped notch 51h provided in the upper arm 511i. When properly mounted vand fastened, sealing means 70 provides a water-tight seal between batten member 51 and the adjoining exterior panel wall (not shown), in a manner to be more fully describe-d. It has been found that providing grooves 72 and 72a on both sides ofthe sealing member 70 provides a far superior water-tight seal between the betten member 51 and the associated panel member.

The interior batten member `52 has a central portion 52a 'havin-g an inwardly projection portion 52h which is provided for reinforcing the central portion thereof, and for receipt of fastening means `60, in `a manner to be more fully described. lThe central portion 52a has extending, upwardly `and downwardly therefrom, arms SZf and 52g respectively, each being provided with notches 52h and 52]' respectively, for purposes of receiving sealing means, such as for example, the sealing means 70 of FIGURE 2. A plural-ity of apertures such as the aperture `Silk (the only one shown in FIGURE 2), are prov-ided for the receipt of fastening means 60. The aperture 52k is in alignment with channel 52h so that it passes through the central portion thereof and is further aligned with the channel 51C of hatten member 51 so as to be threadedly engaged therewith. The fastening operation is performed by placing a nut 61 upon fastening member i60' so lthat it is threadedly engaged thereby. The fastening means 60 is then inserted through the aperture 52k, which, it should be noted, is designed so as to permit slidable passage therethrough (i.e. it does not threadedly engage aperture 52k), so that fastening means 60 threadedly engages the grooves of walls forming channel 51C in member 1. The first lower groove 51e starts the threading operation and the material of which batten member 51 is formed fis of such a character that it may be readily :scored by fastening member 60, so that the fastening member 60 effectively generates its own threads with which to mesh upon the lower wall of the channel 51C. When fastening member 60 is sufficiently threadedly enga-ged by the channel 51C of member 51, the nut 61 is then tightened against the outer surface of batten member 52 so as to urge members 5,1 and 52 towards one another. This serves to clamp the panel walls (not lsbown) therebetween, in a manner to be more fully described.

The gutter means I30 is a substantially Z-shaped plate having -a central portion 81 and upwardly and downwardly extending flan-ges 82 and 8f3 respectively. lThe member 61 `has a pattern stamped upon it so las to give the sheet metal member the appearance of having an alligator type finish. Gutter member ,S0 is shown in greater detail in FIGURE 2a, the alligator like finish is shown in FIGURE 12a :and is designated as number 84. This hnish, or stamping, provides a large number of little randomly positioned, randomly connected .grooves or rivulets 85, which a-ct to collect and divert water or moisture down the gutter and through to the exterior side of the exterior panel wall assembly. This will be more fully described.

A groove `51b is provided at the knee of batten member 51 formed by projection 5.1b. 'Ilhis prevents any sealing engagement between batten member 51 and gutter means 80 as will be more fully described.

@FIGURE 4c shows one application of the batten assembly 50 of FIGURE 2, wherein the assembly is applied to a beam designated as 116 in the perspective view of FIGURE 3. In order to adapt the batteri assembly 50 so as to be readily secured to substantially U-shaped beam 90, the assembly employs the clip shown in FIGURE 4f. Clip 100 is a substantially Z- sh'aped member, having a body portion 101 and upwardly and downwardly extending arms `102 and -103 respectively. Arm 102 is `provided with an aperture 104 receiving the fastening means 60 of FIGURE 2, as will be more fully described. The downwardly extending arm 103 is provided with an upwardly bent lip 105 which serves to further secure the clip assembly 100 to the beam 90, in -a manner to be more fully described. Referring now to FIGURE 4c, the clip assembly 100 is so positioned that its body portion 101 rests on the upper surface of beam 90 and its lip 105 curves around to the interior side of beam `90. In this position, the upper arm 102, now becomes vertically aligned and its aperture 104 is so positioned as to receive the fastening means =60. The batten members '51 and 52 are aligned in FIGURE 4c in the same manner as is shown in FIG- URE 2, except that the interior surface of interior batten member -52 engages the upwardly extending arm 102 of clip 100. Positioned between the upwardly and downwardly extending arms of batten members 51 .and 52 are exterior panel walls 1111 vand 111 respectively, which correspond to the wall panels 11 of FIGURES 1 `and 3. When the fastening means 60, together with nut 61, are securely fastened, this causes the upper and lower wall panels 111 Iand 111 Vto be iirmly clamped between the arms Slf and 52f of batten members l51 and 5-2 respectively. It should further be noted that resilient member, 4or gasket 70 becomes firmly clamped between the upper arm 51]", tof member 51 and the outer surface of vertically aligned wall panel 111', serving to substantially prevent the introduction of any moisture or water between these contacting surfaces.

The lower panel 111 has positioned immediately above its upper edge, the built in gutter member 80, which is so positioned that its downwardly extending lip, or ange, 83 is positioned between the left-hand surface of panel lwall 111 and the right-hand surface of arm 51g of batten member e51. With the arrangement as shown in `FIGURE 4c, as a practical matter, the gasket means 70 almost :absolutely prevents the introduction of any water into the region defined by the -batten members 51 and 52. However, assuming that [introduction of water were at all possible, or `assuming that extremely minute amounts of water were able to enter between the gasket 70 and the upper exterior panel wall 111', the water would take the path as shown by the arrow 120. Therefore, by gravity, the water would fall upon the upper surface of the building gutter member 80 and due to the rivulet pattern formed on .the upper surface of the gutter member 80, this water would collect .and seep out through the rivulets under inwardly extending portion 51b of arm -51 and between the left-hand surface of flan-ge 83 of gutter member y80 and Iright-hand surface of arm 51g of batten member 51. It should be noted that the water will be permitted passage between these members due to the fact that with this pattern stamped upon the surtface of gutter member A80, even though batten member 51 tightly engages the surface of gutter member 80, the rivulets still provide a path from the region between batten members 151 and `52 to the exterior side of the exterior panel wall assembly. Thus, it should be noted -that regardless of how much the batten 'assembly may be tightened, this has no appreciable effect upon the water diverting function that the rivulets 85 (see FIG- URE 2a of the drawings) perform.

FIGURE 4a shows the extenior panel wall assembly slightly modied so as to be mounted 'to la super-structure beam in a manner `different from that of FIGURE 4c. In this arrangement, the mounting is designed to be made right through the left-hand yarm l91 of beam 90, which is provided with an aperture 92. In this arrangement the left-hand arm 91 `of beam 490 serves the dual tunction of being the supporting beam super-structure, while at the same time functions as an interior batten identical to that of the interior batten member 52, shown in FIG- URE 4c. The assembly of FIGURE 4a uses the exterior batten member `51, which is positioned and secured in the same identical manner to that of the member 51 of FIGURE 4c. However, as a replacement for the inter'or batten member '52, the arm 91 of beam- 90 is utilized and is provided with aperture 92 through which 'fastening means l6l) is inserted. The left-hand end of `fastening, means 160 threadedly engages the channel 51e provided in batten member X51 in the same manner as previously described. In order to provide the appropniate alignment `and to insure that the fastening means is rigidly secured, a tapered washer member 94 is provided, having a taper so that it comes into contact with the right-hand surtace of arm 91 of beam 90. Thus, when nut `61 is tightened down, the right-hand edge of washer `94 engages the lefthand surface of nut 61 and the left-hand surface of washer 94 engages the righthand surface of arm 91, thus providing a secure fastening arrangement therebetween. The panels 111 and 111 respectively are clamped between the upper arm '51f 'and the left-hand edge :of arm 91 of Ibeam 90 and the lower arm l51g and the left-hand edge of arm 91 of beam y90 respectively, in much the same manner as that shown in FIGURE 4c. The gutter member 80 is positioned in the manner identical to that shown in FIGURE 4c. It should be noted that although FIGURE 2 and FIGURES 4a-4e Ido not show the batten members 51 and 52 as being of any specific length, that these members may be :as much as i8, l0, 12 or 14 feet in length and have been shown in FIGURE 2 to have a much shorter length, merely tor the purposes lof clarity. Therefore, in the oase of FIGURES 4c .and 4a, if a mounting assembly is to be provided for a batten assembly having a length of, say ten feet for example, then the clips as shown in FIGURE 3, are positioned at spaced intervals along the beam 16 so as .to be in alignment with the apertures 52k positioned at spaced intervals along the intenior batten member `52, as shown fin FIGURE 3. It is signiticant to note that although interior batten member `52 is provided with apertures at spaced intervals therealong, that the channel 51e of exterior batten member 5.1 runs the entire length of batten member 51 as do the grooves 51d and the groove 51e provided along the upper and lower surfaces which define channel 51C. Thus, regardless of the ydimenions of the spaced intervals of apertures `52k provided in batten members 52, there will always be a 'channel portion having the grooves 51d and the grooves 51e immediately across the apertures 52k provided in batten member `52 so that no alignment problem therebetween ever exists. It should further be noted that `once the mounting orf the mounting assembly has been completed, the exterior surface of the exterior batten members -51 is nished in such a manner yas to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance.

FIGURE 4b shows an installation similar to that of FIGURE 4a, except that the yfastening means 60 has been replaced by a self-tapping screw member 130. The screw :member 1130 is inserted so that its tip 131 is tirst placed through an aperture l1132 which may be provided in batten member 51, so that the aperture 13-2 provided therein is in alignment with 4the channel 51C of batten member 51. The self-tapping screw is then inserted .and thre'adedly engaged by the aperture '94 provided in arm 91. Since the rearward portion 134 of self-tapping screw i is not threaded, it will not threadedly engage the channel 5-1c so that it will not be tightened down until the assembly reaches the state in which the panel members 111 and 111 are tirmly clamped between the beam 90 and the extending `arms '51j and 51g of batten member `5'1. The gutter member 80 is aligned in the same manner as previously described with respect to FIGURE `4c and Ifunctions likewise in the same manner.

FIGURE y4d shows another mounting assembly which may be employed ywith a beam, such as a beam 140, which is substantially Lsh'aped, so as to lform the extending arms 1141 and 1142 respectively. 'In this particular arrangement, a clip 1150, shown in perspective in FIGURE 4g, is provided wherein clip 150 h-as a central portion 151 having `an upwardly extending arm 152 provided with an laperture 153. The ynight-hand end of clip 15'1 is bent so Ias to form curved lip 1.54. This clip is positioned as shown in FIGURE 4d, so that the curved `lip 154 curves around the right-hand edge of arm 142 of beam 140. This flirmly links clip to beam 140 and places the upwardly extending arm 152 of clip 150 in a position whereby it engages .the inner surface of batten member `52. The remainder of :the mounting assembly, shown in FIGURE 4d, is identical to that shown in FIGURE 4c Iand for this reason a description thereof will be omitted for the purposes of clarity.

In order yt-o provide and facilitate rigid fastening to a beam 140 which is aligned in the manner such as that shown in FIGURE 4e, another clip arrangement such as the clip shown in FIGURE 4h is provided. Clip 11160 has a central body portion 161, having an aperture 162. The Vdownward extending portion 163 curves in a direction slightly transverse to the plane of the central portion 161. The upwardly extending portion 164 of 4clip 160 curves in the same direction as that of the downward extending portion, except that the curvature is more severe in this case. This clip is positioned and aligned as shown in FIGURE 4e so that the lower extending portion 163 abuts against the arm y142 of beam 140 and so that the upward extending portion 164 of4 clip 160 abuts the upper left-hand edge of batten member 52. In this particular arrangement the fastening means is threaded through the aperture -162 in clip 160 so las to provide fastening bet-Ween the batten members 51 and 52 in the same manner as that shown in FIGURE 4c.

FIGURE 5 shows a perspective View of the batten mounting assembly when it is employed tor .positioning and securing vertically aligned panel members 1111 and 111 wherein the batten assembly is also in vertical alignment as opposed to a horizontal' orientation, such as that shown in FIGURE 2 and FIGURES 4a-4e. In FIGURE 5 the clip 100 is affixed to the beam 90 in a manner identical to that shown in FIGURE 4c. However, -the upper arm 102 of clip 100 is so dimensioned that it lies in the recess 52m which is lformed between the arms 512i :and 52g of batten member 52 and along its outer surface so as to facilitate the positioning of and the securement of clip 100. Fastening member 60 is inserted and fastened in the manner identical to that shown in FIGURES 2 and 4c as was previously described.

Although only one vertically aligned mounting assembly has been shown, such as the assembly shown in FIGURE 5, it should be understood that other vertically aligned assemblies may be provided through the utilization of clips 150 and 160 shown in FIGURES 4g and 4h respeetively,V so as to provide vertically mounted batten members as shown in FIGURE and as designated with numeral 17 in FIGURE 3, in the same variety of applications as shown in FIGURES 4a-4e so as to provide the same flexibility in the variety of different ways in which the vertically aligned lbattens 51 and l52 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 5 may `be mounted.

FIGURE 6d is a cross sectional View taken along line 6a, 6a of FIGURE l, showing the mounting employed for securing a vertically aligned panel to a lower level foundation. The foundation 170 may, for example, be Wood. A substantially U-shaped `channel 160 is provided. The channel 160 comprising a yoke 161, having a plurality of spaced apertures, only one of which 162 is shown, for the receipt of fastening means 171. Yoke 161 has extending arms 163 and 164, each being provided with a projection 163e: and 164e respectively, wherein said projections are positioned so as to be seated i-n the notches 51j and 52j provided in the batten members 51 and 52 respectively. The cooperating notch-projection arrangement acts to position and secure the channel 160 to the batten assembly, which is comprised of batten members 51 and 52. The remainder of the batten mounting assem-bly is identical to that shown in FIGURES 4a and 4e and no further description will be given for the purposes of clarity.

FIGURE 6b shows the mounting assembly basically as shown in FIGURE 6a, wherein this assembly is employed at an entrance way, wherein it can be seen that the FIG- URE 6b shows a cross sectional view taken along the line 6b, 6b of FIGURE 1. The assembly of FIGURE 6b is identical to that of FIGURE 6a, except that fastening means are omitted since the channel 160 need not be secured to a foundation, but it is adaptable in this particular ease tov-receive members such as a door, for example. In this case the fastening means, although not shown, may be employed in the same way for positioning and securing door hinges to the channel member 160.

FIGURE 6c shows .a lcross section taken along the line 6c, 6c' of FIGURE l, which is a vertical mounting assembly. The assembly of FIGURE 6c is identical to those 'shown in FIGURES 4a-4e with the exceptions being that no gutter member is necessary in this case, due to the vertical alignment of the batten assembly and secondly, that two resilient sealing members (also known as weather stripping) 70 are employed along the outer surface in order to prevent the entrance of moisture or water from the exterior of the panel wall assembly to the interior thereof.

FIGURE 6d is a cross sectional view taken along the line 6ft-6d'. This arrangement differs substantially in that the exterior and interior batten members 200 and 220 respectively are bent so as to assume a corner position for the purposes of joining intersecting panel walls, such as the panel walls 111 and 111. In this particular embodiment, exterior batten member 200 is provided with a central portion 201 wherein the interior central portion extends towards the interior ybatten member 220 forming a channel 202 for the receipt of fastening means 260. The central portion 201 is provided with two substantially perpendicularly aligned extending arms 203 and 204, each being provided with notches 205 and 206 respectively, for the purpose of receiving the resilient weather stripping members 70, in the same manner as was previously described With respect to FIGURES 4a and 4e.

The interior batten member 220 is likewise provided with a central portion 221, also having a channel portion 222 extending towards the exterior batten member 200 for the receipt thereof of the fastening means 260. Central portion 221 is provided with extending substantially perpendicularly aligned arms 223 and 224, each having notches 223:1 and 224:1 for receiving weather stripping members 70, as shown in FIGURE 6e to be more fully described.

The channel 222 of interior batten member 220 of FIGURE 6d is wide enough so that fastening member 260 may be slid therethrough without making threaded engagement therewith, so that the threaded engagement is made between the upper left-hand end of fastening means 260, with the channel 202 of batten member 200. This arrangement rmly clamps the panel walls 111 and 111 between the arms 203, 223 and 204, 224 respectively.

FIGURE 6e, is la cross sectional view, showing an inside corner formation such that the portion of the batten assembly lof FIGURE `6e facing the arrow 250 is exposed to form part of the building exterior. In this arrangement the batten mounting assembly is identical to that shown in FIGURE 6d except that the weather stripping resilient members are positioned in the notches 223a and 224:1 of interior batten member 220. A further difference resides in the fact that the channel 202 provided in exterior batten member (now interior batten member) 200 yis wide enough so that fastening member 260 is not threadedly engaged thereby, but is only threadedly engaged by channel 222 of batten member 220, which channel 222 is dimensioned so `as to threadedly engage fastening means 260. The head 261 of fastening means 260 engages the outer surface of central portion 201 acting to firmly clamp panels of 111' and 111 between the arms 204, 224 and 203, 223 respectively. i

In cases involving intersections between horizontally and vertically aligned mounting assemblies, such as, for example, the intersections 19 and 20 shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a batten joint cover, such as that shown in FIGURE 7a, to be more fully described, is employed, in order to prevent the seepage of Water into the interior of the building structure at these intersections. The intersections 19 and 20, differ from one another, in that, the vertically aligned batten assembly 12 divides the horizontally aligned batten assembly 13' so that 'assembly 12 is continuous through the intersection 19 and the hori- Zontal batten assembly 13 has a discontinuity at intersection 19. In the case of intersection 20, the horizontal rbatten assembly 13 is continuous through the intersection 20, while the vertical batten 12 has a discontinuity lat the intersection 20.

FIGURE 7b is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the intersection between the vertically aligned batten assembly 12 and the horizontally aligned batten assembly 13', wherein the intersection 20 is comprised of a batten member 51, only a portion of which is shown for the purposes of clarity. A second outer batten member 51 is shown, wherein the batten members 51 and 51 are identical, except that batten 51 is horizontally aligned and batten 51 is vertically aligned. Positioned between the lower edge of batten member 51 and the upper edge of batten member 51, is a batten joint cover 300, which is a substantially S-shaped member, having a central portion 301 and `a downwardly extending :arm 302 integral with the central portion 301. Extending upwardly from central portion 301 are a plurality of vertically aligned fingers 303a-303e, all being integral with the central portion 301, as can be seen in FIGURE 7b, arm 302 is positioned so that it abuts the outer surface of batten member S1, thereby being exposed to the weather side, or exterior of the building. The central portion 301 is positioned to rest upon the upper edge of batten member 51. The upwardly extending fingers 30M-303e are positioned so that they abut the interior surface of batten member 51. The finger members 303a-303e are aligned so that finger members 303a and 30311 provide an `opening therebetween in order to permit the insertion of a resilient sealing means such las for example a resilient sealing means 70, shown in FIGURES 2 land 4c, to be inserted into the notch 51]" provided in batten member 51. Fingers 30319 and 303C provide adequate spacing therebetween so as to receive the inwardly projecting portion 51b of batten mem-ber 51. It should be noted that finger member 303C is seated in the channel 51C of batten member 51. Finger 30Std has one of its edges abutting the central portion 51b, while the other end of finger 303e' cooper-ates with finger 303e to provide spacing therebetween for receipt vof a resilient sealing means, such as the resilient sealing means 70, referred to previously,and shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings. With this arrangement, the batten joint cover 300 acts as a canopy in that it prevents the entrance of water or moisture through the area of the intersection rbetween batten members 51 and 51.

FIGURE 7a shows an arrangement identical to that of FIGURE 7b, except that the batten member 51 is vertically aligned as is the batten member 51', whereas in FIGURE 7b, batten member 51 is in horizontal alignment. The batten joint cover 300 of FIGURE 7a is identical to that of FIGURE 7b, both in configuration and function. The batten joint cover arrangements of FIG- URES 7a `and 7b provide at intersections between either horizontal and vertically aligned batten assemblies, or between verticallyaligned assemblies, sufficient protection to prevent the entrance of water into the building interior, through the exterior panel wall assembly. Further protection is provided, -as was previously described, by means of the built in gutter arrangement, which, if any water passes beyond the exterior surface of the exterior batten member, through its unique design, is able to collect this water and pass it out through the lower edges of the exterior batten Imembers. It can therefore be seen that this arrangement provides an exterior panel wall assembly which is readily installed, extremely strong structurally `and which affords absolute protection against the introduction of water or moisture into the building interior through the exterior panel wall assembly.

FIGURE 2b shows an alternative embodiment 80 which may be substituted for the gutter means 86 of FIG- URE 2a. The gutter means S0 is provided with substantially parallel grooves 85 on the central portion 81 and arms 82 and 83 which function to gather and divert water or other fluids loutside of the region between the batten members 51 and 52.

FIGURE 2c shows an alternative arrangement 52 for the lbatten member 52 which is provided with a slot 52s having a downwardly facing opening to receive the arm 82" of gutter member 80". This arrangement provides added insurance against the entrance of water or other fiuid to the right of batten member 52.

FIGURES 8a and 8b shown an alternative embodiment 300 for the batten joint cover means. Cover means 300 has an upper arm 303 which is continuous. In this arrangement grooves 304 are cut in the batten member central portion Slb for receipt of arm 303. The cover member 360 functions in the same manner as cover member 300 previously described.

Although there has been described a preferred embodiment of this novel invention, many variations and modifications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but `only -by the appending claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A water-tight exterior panel wall mounting assembly for positioning and securing building panel members comprising: first and second elongated batten means, each of said first and second batten means including a central portion having first and second arms extending therefrom in opposite directions; said central portion and said first and second arms forming a first substantially fiat face; said central portion having projections extending outwardly along the face of `said first and second batten means opposite said first face; said projections for-ming a channel; said projections of first and second batten means being positioned to face one another; first and second ex.- terior panels; fastening means cooperating with the channels of said first and second batten means rigidly clamping the horizontal marginal edges of said panels between the first arms and second arms of said first and second -batten means; gutter means having a substantially fiat surface being positioned in abutting relationship between said first and second batten means and being beneath the central portion of said firs-t batten means said gutter means including means for diverting any liquid falling upon said gutter means outside of the region between said first and second b-atten means and to the exterior side of the wall.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said gutter means is provided with randomly dispersed, randomly oriented grooves for collecting liquids falling upon said gutter means and diverting the collected liquid outside of the region between said first and second batten means.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said gutter means is formed of a fiat substantially rectangular plate being bent to a substantially Z-shaped profile having a central portion and upwardly and downwardly extending iianges; said plate being stamped to form a plurality of randomly displaced, randomly connected grooves on one face of said plate; said plate being positioned with said first face of said central portion abutting the central portion of said first batten means.

4. The assembly of claim 3 further comprising sealing means positioned between the first arm of said first batten means and the marginal edge of the panel member being clamped to prevent liquid from entering into the region between said first and second batten means.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said first flange abuts the interior face of said first batten means second arm and said second flange abuts the second batten member central projection to divert Iliquid away from said second batten means and towards said first batten means for removal thereof from the region between said first and second batten means.

6. The assembly of claim 5 further comprising secur ing means for securing said mounting assembly to suitable supporting structure, said securing means being constructed to slidably engage said supporting means and to be secured by said fastening means.

7. The assembly of claim 5 further comprising securing means; said securing means being a self-tapping screw adapted to secure said first and second batten means to one another and to said supporting structure.

8. The assembly of claim 1, whe-rein said fastening means is adapted for use as securing means for securing said mounting assembly to a suitable supporting structure; said fastening means including a washer member having an aperture for receipt of said fastening means; the faces of said washer adjacent said aperture lying in planes which intersect to form an acute angle therebetween; the orientation of said washer faces being adapted to rigidly secure said first and second batten means to a support of graduated thickness.

9. For use in providing a water-tight arrangement of mounting assemblies each being of the type described in claim 1, which are vertically aligned .and which are positioned so that their ends abut one another forming a butt-joint; said vertical assemblies being arranged to intersect with horizontally aligned assemblies of the type described in claim 1; batten joint cover means positioned between the abutting ends of the first and second mounting assemblies first batten means for preventing the entrance of fluid into the region between the first and second batten means of said first and second mounting assemblies.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said batten joint cover means includes a member having a central portion and oppositely projecting first and second arms extending upwardly and downwardly therefrom to form a substantially S-shaped profile, said central portion being positioned between the abutting ends of said butt joint.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said first arm is positioned along the interior face of the first batten means of the first mounting assembly, said second arm being positioned along the exterior face of the first batten means of the second mounting assembly positioned beneath said first mounting assembly.

12. The `assembly of claim 11, wherein said rst arm is comprised of a plurality of fingers being spaced at predetermined intervals to facilitate mounting thereof.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said gutter means is an elongated member having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section. 1

14. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said securing means .is a member having a flat central portion with upwardly and downwardly extending arms; the upwardly extending arm of said securing member having an aperture for receipt of said fastening means; the downwardly extending arm of said securing member having its end portion bent upwardly toward said central portion.

15. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said securing means is a substantially ilat member being curved at its upper and lower ends; the central portion of said securing member having a centrally located aperture for receipt of said fastening means.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the central projection of said rst batten means is provided with a groove for receiving the upper arm of said batten joint cover means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1934 Ripley 52-97 12/1937 Whelan 52-483 5/1939 McLaughlin 52-463 12/1949 Van Uurn et al. .i2-460 l/1952 Soplata 52-209 9/ 1952 Whitehouse et al. 52-275 3/1954 Widman 189-36 11/1955 Krauss et al. 52--61 5/1957 Heep 52-209 8/1960 Ferrell 52-235 8/1961 Halle 287-189.36 12/1961 Zmrack 52-208 9/1962 Hammitt et al 52-235 7/1963 Halle 287-18936 FOREIGN PATENTS 9/ 1954 Germany. 9/ 1941 Great Britain.

Assistant Exmnners. 

1. A WATER-TIGHT EXTERIOR PANEL WALL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR POSITIONING AND SECURING BUILDING PANEL MEMBERS COMPRISING: FIRST AND SECOND ELONGATED BATTEN MEANS, EACH OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS INCLUDING A CENTRAL PORTION HAVING FIRST AND SECOND ARMS EXTENDING THEREFROM IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS; SAID CENTRAL PORTION AND SAID FIRST AND SECOND ARMS FORMING A FIRST SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT FACE; SAID CENTRAL PORTION HAVING PROJECTIONS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY ALONG THE FACE OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS OPPOSITE SAID FIRST FACE; SAID PROJECTIONS FORMING A CHANNEL; SAID PROJECTIONS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS BEING POSITIONED TO FACE ONE ANOTHER; FIRST AND SECOND EXTERIOR PANELS; FASTENING MEANS COOPERATING WITH THE CHANNELS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS RIGIDLY CLAMPING THE HORIZONTAL MARGINAL EDGES OF SAID PANELS BETWEEN THE FIRST ARMS AND SECOND ARMS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS; GUTTER MEANS HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT SURFACE BEING POSITIONED IN ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS AND BEING BENEATH THE CENTRAL PORTION OF SAID FIRST BATTEN MEANS SAID GUTTER MEANS INCLUDING MEANS FOR DIVERTING ANY LIQUID FALLING UPON SAID GUTTER MEANS OUTSIDE OF THE REGION BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND BATTEN MEANS AND TO THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF THE WALL. 